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How to convert a list to a table or vice versa in a Word document?

Author Sun Last modified

In this article, you'll learn how to convert a list into a table or convert a table back into a list, as shown in the screenshots below.

Text converted to table

Convert a list to a table

Convert a table to a list

Convert a list to a table

You can convert a list into a table using Word’s built-in "Convert Text to Table" feature. Here’s how:

  1. Use the Tab key to separate the text that should go in different table columns, and press the Enter key to start a new row.
    Tab key inserted between text
  2. Select the text, then click "Insert" > "Table" > "Convert Text to Table".
    Convert Text to Table option on the Insert tab on the ribbon
  3. In the "Convert Text to Table" dialog, choose "Tabs" under the "Separate text at" section.
    Convert Text to Table dialog box
  4. Click "OK". Your list is now converted into a table.
    Text converted to table

Convert a table to a list

If you want to convert a table into a plain list separated by delimiters, try one of the following methods.

Method 1: Use the Convert to Text command

  1. Click anywhere in the table, then go to "Table Tools" > "Layout" > "Convert to Text".
    Convert to Text button on the Layout tab on the ribbon
  2. In the "Convert Table to Text" dialog, choose a separator (such as Tabs, Commas, or custom characters).
    Convert Table to Text dialog box
  3. Click "OK". The table will be converted into a list with your chosen delimiter.
    Table converted to text

Method 2: Use Kutools for Word

Kutools for Word offers a much quicker way to convert tables to text. If you have Kutools installed, follow these steps:

Kutools for Word, equipped with AI 🤖, offers over 100 handy features to simplify your tasks.
  1. Select the table you want to convert, then click "Kutools" > "Convert" > "Tables to Text".
    Tables to Text button on the Kutools tab on the ribbon
  2. In the dialog that appears, choose the separator you want to use.
    Convert Table to Text dialog box
  3. Click "OK".
    Table converted to text with a specified separator
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